nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
Rolling The Dice On Vietnam
February, 2017 Phu Quoc, Vietnam Earlier in 2017 I had a three week vacation coming up. I was getting off a ship in Singapore and had to be in Sydney for my next assignment. I was pondering where in Asia to spend my long vacation. Unable to make a decision I took to a strategy I had read about in a book a long time ago. I rolled the dice on it! First I asked my colleagues on the ship to suggest 6 countries in the area and we appointed a number to each country. The dice fell on Vietnam and my decision was made.
By Anna Balog8 years ago in Wander
The Hip Replacement Hike
August 5, 2017 Juneau Alaska West Glacier Trail It was an unusually warm and sunny day in Juneau, Alaska. I had read about a hiking trail that would eventually lead you to the Mendenhall ice cave, I say eventually because it was supposedly a long and strenuous hike (took us 5.5 hours). Well, I was intrigued, specially because if you make it there with all your limbs intact (bears might be lurking around the corner) you will reap the rewards of entering a cave of ice, carved out of a glacier that formed millions of years ago...
By Anna Balog8 years ago in Wander
The Mystique of Diablo Canyon
As a lifelong resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, I have always been drawn to the enigmatic Diablo Canyon. This unique landmark lies just outside our city border, between Santa Fe and Los Alamos. As part of the Caja Del Rio plateau formation, the mystique of this beautiful desert gorge includes prehistoric petroglyphs, desert wildlife, indigenous plants, and the flowing freshwater of the Rio Grande. The area is remote enough to immerse oneself in nature, but accessible enough to bring camping equipment or even plan a family day trip. Hikers of all ages and skill levels come here. Some admire the beauty from a distance, others walk through the winding path, and others take extreme challenges in rock climbing. Everyone is welcome at this national park.
By Cheryl Lynn8 years ago in Wander
Only Trash Leaves Trash
The mountains are calling and I must go! But first... In a world of hashtags and Snapchat, we find ourselves immersed in glorious content. Coffee, pine trees, Red Wing boots and raw denim, and all of it masked in camera filters and brand names.
By Old Wahsatch8 years ago in Wander
Two Roads
Two roads diverge in the woods And I… I stood there. Not knowing which way to turn. The day began early with bright blue skies and a hint of wistful breezes in the air. I could hear the robins outside my window playing in the pecan tree. Two frolicking squirrels were leaping from branch to branch collecting what they could for an early breakfast. Honestly, I felt as if I were in a Disney princess movie. I waited for the little mice to suddenly appear to help me dress and make my breakfast. Thank goodness, it didn’t happen. I don’t think I would have been that thrilled to see scurrying grey creatures and their little black droppings all through my kitchen, anyway. So I got out of bed, dressed myself, and toasted my own bagel for breakfast.
By April Hale8 years ago in Wander
Hiking Around the World!
Over the last few years, I have been lucky enough to go on many hiking adventures around the world. For me, it's a great way to experience to outdoors and nature. I use this time to be alone with my thoughts, and be away from my phone. Hiking is a great way to reflect on life, and escape your troubles.
By CHRIS WONG VLOGS8 years ago in Wander
The Climb
For one second imagine that you are standing on the edge of a cliff, are you terrified, or do you feel like if you were to jump you could fly? Your answer to that question is what will determine the way you live your life. What is life? Your'e breathing and your heart is beating, but do you live life like you are alive - or do you live it like you are dying? Here I am standing on the peak of a mountain, looking out into the distance, the way this makes me feel has got me asking myself, why do I live inside of a house? Why do I live my life within a crowd? The climb - I followed the trail up switchbacks, crossed through boulder fields, snowfields and ice; walked across glaciers, wandered through heaven, then reached the top of the sky. I climbed to come to find, there is no point where Earth starts and heaven stops. Right now, I'm holding serenity in the palm of my hand, with a sense of accomplishment in the other; here I stand. Atop the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, as high as the Continental Divide. If one were to fly past me right now, it feels like I could grab airplanes out of the sky.
By Travis George8 years ago in Wander
Mailbox Peak
Our hike started on a bright and crisp spring morning. We set out the door, coffees in hand, and poles strapped to our packs, expecting snow at the top based on the recent reports. My dad and I got in the car and pushed on to the highway; blinded by the rising sun.
By Sigurd l'Ermite8 years ago in Wander
The Joys of Hiking
In Washington, it tends to rain a lot. So one weekend in the fall, the forecast said it was going to be sunny, and I had to take advantage of that. I invited some friends and we went to Granite Mountain. Granite Mountain is a relatively difficult hike that ends in a pretty fun scramble. The whole way up, it was basically an unspoken race between me and two of my friends.
By Colin Bryant8 years ago in Wander
Waking the Senses
It was a horrible day: Tears, frustration, anger, harsh words, misunderstandings, and the list went on... My mind was reeling, but no thought stuck to my brain receptors, so I felt numb nothingness. In an effort to escape, I put on my jacket, walked down the stairs, and outside into the brisk October air. I found myself heading to one of the trails along Canmore's main roads. My head was only processing very basic thoughts:
By Rachel Weber8 years ago in Wander
Explore Your Backyard
When Carol (the name of his Jeep) came to be ours, every single time I got the opportunity, I had him out there exploring! He's taken me to places up there I had no idea existed. One of my favorite trips is to Tiddy Springs. Tiddy Springs is literally a mountain spring that people caught up in a little pipe that runs out into an old tub. We take glass jars with us for this trip and come home with the most refreshing, clean, clear, cold water I've ever found. The water is actually sweet! Nothing like our well water and definitely nothing like city water!
By Shanna Dewey8 years ago in Wander
Places to Go in Autumn
Autumn is my favourite season, with spring a close second. Everyone or almost everyone, likes to jet off on holiday in the summer. But why not get away in the autumn when everything is less packed and places are bursting with colour? You don’t necessarily have to go on holiday but there are definitely places where you could have a day out.
By Chloe Urquhart8 years ago in Wander
